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16-005 Rangers, guests to lead ‘Healthy Hikes’ at Rockport State Park

OLYMPIA – Feb. 3, 2016– The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to participate in guided hikes through the old growth forest at Rockport State Park.

The “Healthy Hikes” program begins at 9:30 each Saturday from Feb. 6 through April 30 at Rockport State Park parking lot near Rockport and the junction of Highways 20 and 530. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/8sxa9FLQdJS2).

Parks staff or guest leaders will lead participants on the three-mile Evergreen Trail at a moderate pace. Participants can also choose to hike trails on their own. Rockport State Park has a total of five miles of trails. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on leash.

Valerie Stafford, owner of Encore Fitness in Concrete, will lead the Healthy Hike on Saturday, Feb. 13. She will share stretching techniques and other healthy hiking tips.

Participants who hike 100 miles in Rockport State Park during 2016 will earn a hand-carved walking stick made by Don Smith, artist and Senior Park Aide. Miles can be logged on the staff-led hikes or anytime in 2016 on one’s own. The log must be completed at the park after each hike.

Hikes begin in the parking lot, where restrooms are available, and end with warm drinks in the Discovery Center.

The park features an ADA-accessible trail. Dress for the weather with footwear suitable for wet, muddy and/or slippery trails. For more information, contact Laura Busby, Interpretive Specialist, (360) 853-8461 or rockport@parks.wa.gov.

The activity is free, but a Discover Pass is required to park, except for March 19 and 26 and April 22, which are State Parks ‘Free Days.’ Learn more about the free days here: http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=186. The Discover Pass is $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a day pass. Passes are available for purchase at the park office.

About Washington State ParksThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.